Smith & Wesson wows SHOT with M&P 2.0

The M&P 2.0 in 9mm was a pleasure to shoot on Range Day. The aggressive grip texture and form, along with interchangeable palm swells, make the pistol fit every shooter. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

The biggest splash at Smith & Wesson — and one of the most popular at SHOT — is the M&P 2.0. Pro Shooter Julie Golob has been perhaps its biggest proponent during the introduction and was on hand to help demo the gun at both range day and in the booth at SHOT. What makes the 2.0 so much better than the original M&P polymer semi-auto?

The M&P M2.0 calls itself “an entirely new platform” showing changes and improvements from stem to stern, with work done to the trigger, grip, frame and finish. Highlights of the M&P M2.0 pistol include an extended stainless-steel chassis and high grip-to-barrel bore axis. What does this mean? On paper, the 2.0 should be an even more comfortable shooting pistol with less muzzle rise and quicker re-acquisition of the target. There’s also a crisper, lighter trigger pull with both tactile and audible reset.

The 2.0 will be available in three calibers — 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP–though the .45’s won’t be shipping until a later date. The striker-fired M2.0 ships with two magazines and four interchangeable palm-swell inserts for customizable hold and trigger reach. Further improvements have been made to the grips, with much more aggressive stippling for surer purchase. An 18-degree grip angle fits more naturally in the hand.

Initial offerings are both black or Flat Dark Earth with S&W’s Armornite corrosion resistant finish and the M2.0 carries a limited lifetime warranty and a lifetime service policy. MSRP is set at $599 regardless of color or caliber. Best of all, the M&P 2.0 is made in the USA.